| The old saying "never judge a book by its cover" | | | | make the shooting session more enjoyable: |
| cannot apply to the portrait photographer. In fact, | | | | |
| the exact opposite approach is required: we must | | | | 1. Before you can even begin to shoot a portrait you |
| learn to observe the cover because it's all we have. I | | | | must be able to put your subject at ease. This is an |
| believe the visual evidence presented by a subject is | | | | important skill of the portrait photographer. |
| an accurate map of what was and is doing on inside | | | | 2. Some soft background music will help relax most |
| the person - the personality or character of the | | | | people. |
| person as it were. | | | | 3. Friendly chatting is not only relaxing but also helps |
| The lines on the face of an old man have been | | | | you get to know your subject a little better. |
| earned during a long life; the tension in the hands, and | | | | 4. Ensure your sitter's cloths aren't too garish - unless |
| general body language, betray what is being felt | | | | such attire is very much part of the subject's |
| beneath the surface. To become a god portraitist | | | | personality or character. |
| you must develop your observation skills so you can | | | | 5. Learn how best to flatter your subject. Different |
| capture the essence of the people you photograph. | | | | faces require different angles and techniques. |
| I am not going to dig into techniques and lighting, I | | | | 6. Choose relevant background for environmental |
| am sure you found a lot resources for that! What I | | | | portraits - and beware of false appendages! |
| am going to offer is an approach on how to deal | | | | 7. I believe that most people look better in black and |
| with your subject, and how to get the most out of | | | | white than in color. You may not feel that way. Try |
| him. | | | | both and see which you like. |
| Here are some tips that will put you ahead, and | | | | |